I’m giving up the bottle

And about time I should say

Though secretly I confess to

Four bottles stashed away

 

I’m giving up the bottle

With effect from right now

I’m confident that I will

Get on really fine somehow

 

I’m giving up the bottle

I think the time has come

Though I’ve been getting fixes

Daily three, then two, then one

 

I’m giving up the bottle

Don’t make your finger wag

The bottle is what kept me

From collapsing like a rag

 

I’m giving up the bottle

I’ve hit it for a year

At morning and at bedtime

It’s been a habit clear

 

I’m giving up the bottle

‘Tis time to clear my head

And see if all the memories

Return from whence they fled

 

I’m giving up the bottle

Little things so round and white

Designed to keep me going

Without reason taking flight

 

I’m giving up the bottle

Its secret I divulge

Those little tablets just ensure

My brain does not convulse

 

I’m giving up the bottle

No crutch I will endure

I can go on without it

In my head I think for sure

(Written on 14 February 2015 in Durrës, Albania on the occasion of the last dose of Eptoin (an anti-convulsant) I had to take following my craniotomy on 14 February 2014)